Gastrocrom

Uses

This medication is used to treat mastocytosis, a disease that occurs when the body has too many mast cells. These normal body cells release substances (e.g., histamines) that are needed for normal body defense and healing, but when too many mast cells are present, they release too much of these substances. This can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, itching, rash, and flushing. Cromolyn belongs to a class of medications called mast cell stabilizers. It works by preventing mast cells from releasing the substances that can cause these skin and gut problems.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

How to use Gastrocrom

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using cromolyn and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are using this drug to prevent a food allergy or for inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor may direct you to take it 15-20 minutes before meals.

Do not swallow the ampules. The contents of the ampules are used to make a solution. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. To make the solution, break open the ampule(s) and squeeze the liquid into a glass of water. Do not mix with fruit juice, soda, milk, or any fluid except plain water. Stir the solution well. Drink all of the solution immediately. Do not mix it ahead of time. Do not take the ampules out of their foil pouch until right before using.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

This medication does not work right away. You need to use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It may take 2-3 weeks before you see a benefit from this medication. Your doctor may change your dose to find the best dose for you.

Do not use this form of cromolyn for inhalation (e.g., in a nebulizer), in the nose, or by injection. It is for oral use (swallowing) only. It does not work to treat breathing problems, nasal/seasonal allergies, or other allergic reactions.

Side Effects

Headache, muscle aches, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Precautions

Before taking cromolyn, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you have already had your meal, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Keep the ampules in their foil pouches at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and light until ready for use. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

Treatment by Condition Related to Gastrocrom

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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